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The first thing I do when I score an interview is figure out what to wear! A shopping trip is always needed.
Appearance counts for 50% of your interview. How you take care of yourself speaks about how you perform professionally. Wouldn’t you rather hire someone who arrived in ironed clothes with a clean top compared to someone with a stain and jeans? You have to be careful about what you chose to wear.
As you would prepare for what to say during your interview, what you wear is just as important. Thankfully, you are in the right place because I love shopping and putting looks together.
[line]Stylish Tips[line]
What NOT To Wear: Jeans, gym shoes, boots, graphic shirts, clothing with dirt or holes.,tank tops, shorts, sandals, flip flops.. If you would wear this to a barbecue or concert…I would suggest no.
Cover: Visible tattoos, nose rings
What To Wear: Dress pants, skirts that are knee length or below, simple dress with belt, clean button down shirts, blouses, sweater, cardigan, blazers, suit coats, ties, dress shoes, flats, sensible heels, wedge heels. What would a millionaire wear? That’s what you need to think. What does successful look like?
Colors: Neutrals are best as a foundation, then usually I use a pop of color in the form of a sweater. Colors such as light pink, any shades of blue or green, light purple or yellow. These colors are inviting and calm. Stay away from vibrant colors such as bright red or any highlighter colors. It’s straining to the eye.
Jewelry: Keep it simple. Stay away from costume-like jewelry.
I usually opt for a clean black or gray pencil skit with a neutral top. Dress is up with a blazer or a cardigan. I will wear flats or if I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll wear some sensible heels.
If its during a cold month, I will go for a black dress pants. Wear a nice dressy top and blazer.
[line]Where to Shop[line]
My go to for work wear is Kohls. They usually have a nice juniors section dedicated to professional clothes. And if you search in the right areas, you’ll find some cute items on sale! I love a good deal, like most people are. And I don’t have $100 in my pocket to purchase clothes I will wear maybe 3 times a year. So I’ve started shopping at T.J. Maxx or Marshalls which are my favorite places to shop designer items at discounted prices. Another place? SimplyChic. There is a store front just down the road from me and I LOVE how much their clothing is. They are a modern resale store, designer finds at perfect prices.
Prefer to shop online? Or looking for simple inspiration? I have created made a collection of some of favorite items that I chose to wear during interviews. Check them out below, each item is less than $50!!!
[line] Don’t forget the details[line]
Wear a simple belt if your dress shirt is too baggy.
Simple jewelry.
If the sleeves are longer than your arms, neatly fold them either to you wrists or above them.
Make sure your shoes are clean.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to treat yourself to a manicure to de-stress. Even a nice hair trim. If you do get a manicure, keep it neutral colors or a French manicure.
Make sure there is nothing in your teeth before you walk in.
Keep a water bottle with you before hand. It’ll be useless after the interview as well.
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